The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission on Tuesday gave Public Service Co. of New Mexico until April 30 to craft a plan for meeting the state's renewable-energy requirements by 2014.

The plan also is supposed to include a longer-term program for the electricity credit PNM gives customers who generate their own power through solar photovoltaic systems tied into the power grid.

Out of three investor-owned utility companies in the state, PNM is the only one that failed to meet New Mexico's mandate that 10 percent of retail electricity sales in 2012 must come from wind, solar or another renewable-energy source. PNM will get about 6 percent of its retail sales from renewable energy.

This renewable-energy portfolio standard increases to 15 percent by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020.

PNM argued last year that it couldn't meet the state's renewable-energy standards by installing new renewable-energy systems and still stay within a cost threshold. The threshold is a cap on how much of the cost for installing renewable-energy systems a company can recoup from customers.

The PRC approved a modified renewable-energy procurement plan for the company in December. The commission gave the company until this week to meet the order.

PNM had requested an extension until April, saying it was unable to come up with all the information required in the order in 60 days.

The Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Western Resource Associates and the Sierra Club have kept close tabs on the renewable-energy case and withdrew opposition to the extension.

Public Regulation Commissioner Jason Marks said he thinks the extra time will give PNM a chance to come up with workable solutions. "I think there is a lot of room for the company to work with the solar advocates to come up with something that is sustainable and predictable," Marks said. "I would personally have trouble approving anything that doesn't give customers the opportunity to put [solar-power] systems on their roofs and provide some of their own energy."

The renewable-energy credit has been a source of great contention during the proceedings, with advocates worried the company would allow the program to die. Santa Fe County joined the case as an intervenor last fall, in part to advocate for the credit program.

"The main thrust is to get them on a path to compliance," said Marks of the proceedings. "The public wants to see renewable energy in play in the state. That's the goal."

Contact Staci Matlock at 986-3055 or smatlock@sfnewmexican.com.